Sustainable Inquiry Research and EducationNetwork (SIREN) for Science and Vocational Agriculture TeachersProgram Abstract
The Sustainable Inquiry Research and Education Network (SIREN) will integrate inquiry teaching strategies into sustainable agriculture projects designed by established producers and experienced scientists, building a research and education network of K-12 teachers, classrooms, schools, community education programs and university outreach and engagement activities. Project Coordinator: Carmen Fernholz, Organic Agriculture Research Coordinator, University of Minnesota’s Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC). Outcomes: short-term, a web-based resource for agriculture and science educators in southern Minnesota and beyond; intermediate, better understanding among science and vocational agriculture teachers of the sustainable farming system and of the inquiry process as a teaching tool, and teachers, producers and university scientists engaged in interactive problem-solving; long-term, successfully integrating sustainable agriculture into the science curriculum and connecting sustainable ag producers with future farmers (and other careers) in the region, as well as current producers and community members. Outputs: a curriculum resource for teachers and research reports for producers and the community, expanding the audience for sustainable agriculture concepts. Producers will help to define research questions and integrate sustainable agriculture practices (e.g., water quality) into organic and conventional systems in our region. Context: High use of chemical weed control and fertilizers by 90% of the region’s producers impacts soil and water quality; economically and environmentally sustainable farming enhances quality of life and recreation options. Research-based information on sustainability is critical. Approach:SIREN is guided by an Advisory Council of conventional and organic farmers, researchers and educators. Teacher workshops follow the well-tested Improving Teacher Quality model. Evaluation will assess educator and student outcomes; their research results will be shared with other teachers, with area producers at Field Days and other events, and in community education forums.
The Sustainable Inquiry Research and Education Network (SIREN) will integrate inquiry teaching strategies into sustainable agriculture projects designed by established producers and experienced scientists, building a research and education network of K-12 teachers, classrooms, schools, community education programs and university outreach and engagement activities. Project Coordinator: Carmen Fernholz, Organic Agriculture Research Coordinator, University of Minnesota’s Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC). Outcomes: short-term, a web-based resource for agriculture and science educators in southern Minnesota and beyond; intermediate, better understanding among science and vocational agriculture teachers of the sustainable farming system and of the inquiry process as a teaching tool, and teachers, producers and university scientists engaged in interactive problem-solving; long-term, successfully integrating sustainable agriculture into the science curriculum and connecting sustainable ag producers with future farmers (and other careers) in the region, as well as current producers and community members. Outputs: a curriculum resource for teachers and research reports for producers and the community, expanding the audience for sustainable agriculture concepts. Producers will help to define research questions and integrate sustainable agriculture practices (e.g., water quality) into organic and conventional systems in our region. Context: High use of chemical weed control and fertilizers by 90% of the region’s producers impacts soil and water quality; economically and environmentally sustainable farming enhances quality of life and recreation options. Research-based information on sustainability is critical. Approach: SIREN is guided by an Advisory Council of conventional and organic farmers, researchers and educators. Teacher workshops follow the well-tested Improving Teacher Quality model. Evaluation will assess educator and student outcomes; their research results will be shared with other teachers, with area producers at Field Days and other events, and in community education forums.